2009 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1988 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (140 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 594 kg more than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Chevrolet Suburban (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Thunderbird. (292 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Suburban | 1988 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5660 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2880 mm |
